Messed up the bearings…

Tried to press in new bearings and accidentally bent the inner lip within the bearing race. Can this be salvaged?

 

Should have used the old bearing to press it in.

 

Below is what the OEM KOYO JAPAN DU5496-5 Front Wheel Bearings (FWBs) look like disassembled. It appears that you bent the metal shield/seal on the outer bearing cone. Remove the outer bearing cone from the common race by pulling it up. The roller bearing is held in only by seal pressure. I have had the roller bearings fall out of new FWBs just from the shipping monkeys throwing them around hard. Take a hard look at the internals of the bearing to see if you cracked the race or a roller bearing in the cone. You may be able to salvage the bearing, but it will be a judgement call. If in any doubt, your best bet is to get another bearing. Damn shame! OEM KOYO FWBs are pricey. I am waiting on a set of new OEM KOYO FWBs and seals from Partsouq right now.

(2) Disassembled KOYO DU5496-5 bearings (well used):

 

Thank you so much. I was scared to try to take it apart to see how it works. I managed to seat the bearings nearly flush with the metal shield. Bearings seem to spin smoothly and without noise, although it does take more force to spin compared to the old ones that I pulled off. Is that normal?

 

The new bearing will normally have more rotational resistance mostly due to the new seals & grease. DHL just delivered my new OEM KOYO FWBs and they are smooth but stiff, not extremely easy to rotate by hand. If you are doing both sides, just compare your 2 FWBs. Good luck!

 

Good to know, thanks again!